CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- It's no secret that West Virginia is one of the unhealthiest states in the country but the city of Charleston and Tallman Track Club are hoping to change that, one race at a time.

Getting off the couch and into some running shoes, that's the mission for the city of Charleston and Tallman Track Club.

"West Virginia is always last in sedentary individuals and we're trying to give them an opportunity to get out here and exercise," WK Munsey, Joker Run Co-Director said.

Sunday's Joker Run provided just that. About 100 runners took advantage of a 5-K walk or a four or eight mile run all in an effort to get their hearts pumping and help them get ready for the University of Charleston's upcoming half-marathon.

"It's at the end of the month so we have started in December with races at 5K, all the way up to eight miles so that people can get ready to do the half-marathon," Munsey said.

Jason Pyles finished in first place in the four mile run for the third year in a row. He finished in less than 22 minutes.

"It was a little bit warm out there but it's always good to come out here, push hard and have some fun with it," Pyles said.

Organizers said they're already seeing more people come out to these events so they consider that a success.

"The winter series, the first three races, we had over 300 at each race," Munsey said. "This race is over 100 which is almost doubled from last year."

They hope to continue that trend and make West Virginia healthier even if it's just one person at a time.

For more information on the University of Charleston's half-marathon, go to: http://www.uchalfmarathon.com/